About Grants for Green Energy
As the Earth continues its spiral of global warming and environmental decay, state and federal governments, foundations and private industry are increasing investments in new technology that is environmentally friendly. Solar, wind and water power are being rediscovered and repackaged as options to gas and oil. Nonprofit groups and small businesses that are developing and using sources of green energy can apply for a wide variety of grants.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Tax credits for companies producing alternative sources of energy have been available for more than 20 years. Unfortunately, they have not been enough to spur these developers to create viable green energy products, says the National Resources Defense Council. Profits for new production facilities and research and development projects have not been adequate to maintain sustained growth, creating an urgent need for grants to keep the industry moving forward.
Significance
-
State and federal grants can help to support the industries that are working to supply the country with more sources of renewable energy. Support is especially crucial for education to train a workforce capable of managing the new energy sources, research and development of sustainable projects that can be directly connected to existing power grids and pilot projects that test the latest technology.
-
Types
-
DSIRE is a database of available grants maintained by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. By clicking on a state, grants, such as the North Carolina Green Business Fund, are shown with all the necessary grant and contact information. Information on federal grants is available, such as the U.S. Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Program Grant that provides funding for solar water heat, wind, hydroelectricity and other projects.
Considerations
-
While many of the green grants are for businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop new technology, other grants are available for municipalities and companies to install renewable energy applications, such as solar panels and water operated equipment, in their current facilities. Programs, such as Wisconsin's Renewable Energy Incentives and Grants program, provide financial support for projects such as on site development of biomass combustion systems and wind turbine projects.
Benefits
-
Until renewable energy technology developments reach a profitable status, new facilities will lack many of the features that are available. Government funding, such as the federal grants that pay up to 30 percent towards the building of an energy renewable facility and the $2.5 billion in grants for green energy research and development, make progress possible.
Potential
-
Many foundations and nonprofit organizations operate on a philosophy that by investing in renewable energy sources, they are helping to save the planet. Future generations will be able to enjoy the outdoors, watersheds and forests can remain intact and mankind will be healthier overall. Groups, such as the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, market green power products to businesses and governments through its nonprofit partnerships to protect the environment and be a part of the changing energy paradigm.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Martin Carter
